In today’s quest for beauty and eternal youth cosmetic dentistry is emerging into the forefront. Many patients are choosing to utilize the many different procedures of cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of their smile. While cosmetic dentistry does take into account the treatment of dental problems and even the prevention of dental problems the main focus is on improving the appearance of a patient’s smile. While cosmetic dentistry is not a modern day Fountain of Youth there are significant benefits to using cosmetic surgery. A wise consumer will consider the issue from all sides. While it would be imprudent to state there are no drawbacks to cosmetic dentistry as of today most patients report being happy with the outcome of their procedures. The field of cosmetic dentistry has many benefits. Here are just a few-1. Obviously the biggest benefit to cosmetic dentistry is that it produces results. Patients who just a few years ago may have had to be satisfied with chipped, cracked or broken teeth can now have that fixed. Teeth that have been deeply discolored can be whitened. In fact most types of dental defects can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry can even reduce signs of aging and leave the patient with a more vibrant and youthful appearance. It can also repair dental damage caused by trauma, illness, infection, developmental abnormalities, or heredity.2. Since cosmetic surgery is so successful it can leave the patient not only with a more attractive physical appearance but an improved psychological outlook as well. Many patients report battling years of low self-esteem that is reversed when these types of dental problems are corrected or covered up. They report being more comfortable not only with themselves but with others they have relationships with.3. With the exception of patients who live in extreme rural or remote areas cosmetic dentistry is fairly accessible. Unlike other specialties of cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dentistry has become fairly widespread even in smaller urban areas. While many dentists choose to specialize in cosmetic dentistry most of the procedures of cosmetic dentistry are not beyond the scope of general dentists. This leaves the possibility of utilizing cosmetic dentistry much more open to a wider segment of the population.4. While it would be dishonest to say cosmetic dentistry is cheap the price of many procedures used in cosmetic dentistry is coming down. This enables many more patients to be able to benefit from cosmetic dentistry. In addition many dental insurances are choosing to cover cosmetic dentistry procedures when done to help with structural reasons. Patients considering cosmetic dentistry should check with their insurance company to see if procedures are covered.5. Cosmetic dentistry has long lasting effects. Unlike many other cosmetic procedures many cosmetic dental procedures can last as long as upwards of 10 years. This is a huge benefit to patients as it limits the amount of money and time that must be committed to maintaining whatever procedure that has been done.6. The recovery time from cosmetic dentistry is fairly short. Many other cosmetic procedures require a lengthy recovery time and involve a great amount of pain. Most patients using cosmetic dentistry report not only a short recovery time but very little pain in the recovery. In addition the success rate for these procedures is quite high with some studies showing success rates on cosmetic dental procedures up into the 90th percentile.As with any other medical decision patients should weigh both the pros and cons and then make the decision that is right for them. But the bottom line is dental technology has provided a fast, efficient and relatively cost efficient way to improve our smiles by the use of cosmetic dentistry.

As another year ends and a new one begins, it is also a great time to consider adopting a different style, or updating your look. You can, perhaps, even make a style update your new year’s resolution. Time to get rid of the hairstyle you have had for the last 5 years, and any item of clothing in your closet that you have not worn in 1 year. (Let’s face it, if you didn’t wear that Hawaiian print shirt last summer, you won’t wear next year, either.)The first step to updating your style is to make a specific list of what items you wish to replace. If you simply go to the mall with the idea of “buying a whole new wardrobe,” you will get overwhelmed and not know where to start. Plus, you are likely to end up with single pieces rather than ensembles and outfits. A shopping list, for example, may look a little something like this:-1 three piece gray wool pinstripe suit
-1 button down white cotton/poly dress shirt with gray wide set stripes
-2 pairs of khaki chinos, one light and one dark
-1 pair of brown leather oxfords
-1 pair of dark wash denim jeans
- 3 short sleeved cotton polo shirts, 1 purple, 1 green, 1 yellow
Etc.See how I have noted specific colors and fabrics in this list of items? This is important to do when considering what you wish to shop for. You goal should also be to shop for pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other. For example, the dark wash jeans could be worn with any one of the colored polo shirts, or they could also be worn with the button down shirt and the vest from the three-piece suit. This is how you can effectively make many different new, stylish outfits out of a handful of key wardrobe items.The second step in updating your style is to consider how you can make over or improve the items that you already have in your closet. For example, you may have a navy suit that is of excellent quality, but is from the 90s and is therefore a little outdated. Try taking this suit to a tailor in order to have some small tweaks made. For example, the tailor may be able to replace the buttons, put in smaller shoulder pads, and heighten the hem of the jacket. You may also wish to have the jacket tailored to make it a bit more snug, as slim cut suits are modern and stylish right now. You should also take a close look at your tie wardrobe. Any tie styles that are hanging out from the 80s and 90s are ones that you may wish to consider donating to Goodwill. However, if you have any vintage pieces from the 70s or early, many of these are once again quite popular. Ties are another item that you can also consider having altered by making them shorter or skinnier.As you update your wardrobe, make sure not to overlook other aspects of your appearance. Shaggy facial hair can be instantly aging, as can an outdated hairstyle. Visit a reputable hair salon in your area and inquire with a stylist about a new, modern hairstyle. (Even if it is expensive, it is worth it because you will then basically have a template for future cheaper haircuts.) If you have worn the same pair of glasses frames for more than 5 years, it is time for an update on those as well.If you want to update your style on the cheap, look for eye-catching accessories that are small pieces but make a large impact. For example, a colorful knit scarf or a tweed newsboy cap can instantly change the look of an entire outfit. Online sources such as Zenni Optical offer prescription glasses for as low as 10 bucks. Small items can make a large difference in your overall appearance.